Independent expert analysis
for construction disputes
Equitas provides independent delay and quantum expert services for arbitration, adjudication and litigation arising on construction and engineering projects. Our expert work is characterised by analytical rigour, clear reasoning and the ability to withstand robust cross-examination in formal proceedings.
Expert advisory that
withstands scrutiny
Construction and engineering disputes often turn on the quality of the expert evidence. Whether the issue is delay, quantum, disruption or a combination of these, the strength of an expert position depends on the rigour of the underlying analysis, the integrity of the evidential foundation and the clarity with which opinions are expressed and supported.
Equitas provides independent expert services across the full range of delay and quantum matters. Our work is grounded in detailed review of the project record, careful application of recognised methodologies and clear, structured presentation of findings. We do not take instructions that require us to advance positions we cannot properly support.
Our expert work is led by Metehan Caglar Sonbahar, a Chartered Civil Engineer and dual-qualified construction professional with an LLM in Construction Law and Arbitration. He has acted as delay and quantum expert in proceedings before the ICC, LCIA, DIAC, ISTAC, ICSID, ITOTAM, DIFC, UNCITRAL and in domestic adjudication. He has been cross-examined in arbitral proceedings and has given concurrent evidence in hot-tubbing sessions.
“The value of expert evidence depends entirely on whether it can be sustained under scrutiny. We build our analysis to that standard.”
We accept instructions where we can form and express an independent opinion grounded in the evidence. Where the evidence does not support the position advanced, we will say so clearly at the outset — which is often the most valuable input we can provide.
Expert services across
delay and quantum
We provide the full range of expert services required in construction and engineering disputes, from initial review through to formal expert reports and oral evidence.
Delay Expert Witness
Independent expert analysis of delay events, critical path impact, extension of time entitlement and programme-related issues. We apply recognised delay analysis methodologies — including time impact analysis, impacted as-planned, collapsed as-built and windows analysis — selecting the approach most appropriate to the facts and the forum.
Quantum Expert Witness
Independent assessment of financial claims arising from construction disputes, including prolongation costs, acceleration, disruption, loss and expense and variations. Our quantum analysis is grounded in the project cost record and structured to address the specific entitlement basis established under the contract.
Expert Reports for Arbitration
Preparation of independent expert reports for use in international arbitration proceedings. Our reports comply with applicable institutional rules and procedural orders, are structured to address the issues in dispute and are written to be understood by arbitral tribunals without specialist construction knowledge.
Expert Reports for Adjudication
Expert reports prepared to the standard and timescale required by adjudication proceedings, including statutory adjudication and contractual dispute board processes. We understand the compressed timetables involved and structure our analysis accordingly without compromising evidential quality.
Expert Reports for Litigation
Expert reports complying with applicable court rules and practice directions for use in litigation proceedings. We have experience of the requirements applicable in English court proceedings and in other jurisdictions, and structure our reports to meet the procedural requirements of the relevant forum.
Review of Opposing Expert Evidence
Critical review and analysis of opposing expert reports to identify methodological weaknesses, evidential gaps and unsupported opinions. We assist legal teams in developing lines of cross-examination and understanding the technical strengths and limitations of the opposing expert position.
How we develop
expert positions
Initial review and scoping
We begin by reviewing the key project documents, the nature of the dispute and the issues on which expert evidence is required. At this stage we identify what the evidence can and cannot support, and advise clearly on the scope of a defensible expert position.
Contemporaneous record review
Detailed review of the project record — programmes, correspondence, instructions, site records, cost data and contemporaneous documents — to establish the factual foundation for the analysis. The quality of this review directly determines the robustness of the expert opinion.
Methodology selection and analysis
Selection and application of the delay and quantum methodology most appropriate to the facts, the available evidence and the requirements of the forum. We justify our methodology choices and address alternatives where relevant, anticipating the challenges likely to be raised by opposing experts.
Report preparation
Preparation of a structured, clearly reasoned expert report that sets out the factual basis, methodology, analysis and conclusions in a form accessible to non-technical readers. We comply with applicable procedural requirements and ensure the report addresses the specific issues in dispute.
Oral evidence and hot-tubbing
Where required, we attend proceedings to give oral evidence, respond to cross-examination and, where directed, participate in concurrent evidence sessions (hot-tubbing) alongside opposing experts. We have experience of this process and understand the discipline it requires.
Our duty is to the tribunal, not the client.
Expert witnesses in formal proceedings owe an overriding duty to the tribunal — not to the party instructing them. We take that obligation seriously and it shapes how we approach every aspect of our expert work.
We will not advance opinions we cannot properly support, and we will acknowledge the limits of our analysis clearly. That approach reflects both professional obligation and practical judgement — an expert who overstates their position is of limited value when cross-examination begins.
Clients instruct Equitas for expert services because they need to understand the genuine strength of their position — not because they want to be told what they wish to hear.
Professional qualifications
underpinning our expert work
Our expert services are led by a practitioner whose qualifications span both the technical and legal dimensions of construction disputes.
Technical foundation across construction, engineering and infrastructure projects — providing the project knowledge that underpins delay and quantum analysis.
Postgraduate legal qualification in construction law and arbitration — bridging the technical and legal dimensions of construction disputes.
Membership of the global centre for dispute resolution practice, reflecting engagement with recognised standards in arbitration.
Member of the Academy of Experts — the UK’s leading professional body for expert witnesses, focused on standards and responsibilities of expert practice.
Postgraduate qualification in construction management providing the project delivery context essential for credible delay and quantum analysis.
Recognised specialist in FIDIC contracts and dispute resolution, including appointments as DAB member under the FIDIC suite.
Require independent expert advice on a construction dispute?
Contact Equitas to discuss the matter, the issues in dispute and how we can assist with delay or quantum expert services.